On Veteran's Day, President Obama ventured into new territory. He walked among the graves of the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan. He stopped and chatted with unsuspecting family members who simply were paying tribute to loved ones. He saw the white markers with names of the dead and the very young ages of those that died in service to their country. Having made similar walks myself in Arlington, the impact of seeing the actual names and ages is overwhelming.

This is exactly the place our President should be walking as he struggles with our future commitment to Afghanistan. His decisions regarding this war in the next couple of weeks will truly be measured in lives lost and opportunities missed.

Take your time, Mr. President.

There is increasing pressure from traditional sources to make a decision. The options presented in the press seem only to increase the number of troops without any hint of an endgame. Everyone from the Ambassador in Afghanistan, to generals, to the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State have offered advice both publicly and privately. In the end, this decision, more than any other, might define your presidency and American foreign policy for years to come.

Please insist on proposals that have a clear ending in sight. Put it in context of our long term goals of foreign policy. This is the moment. The moment where you have an unique opportunity to create the "Obama Doctrine" in foreign policy: A fresh look at how to deal with the complexities of the world and America's response to them. A long continuing war in Afghanistan will not only create more markers in Arlington but also has the capacity to drain our resources to the point that America's internal greatness will pass us by.

So, Mr. President, take your time. Insist on new options. Insist on an 'end plan'. Reflect on how this decision might be one of the most important foreign policy decisions of your presidency. For once, you will find me very patient as you make this lonely and difficult decision.

Godspeed, sir.